Lehigh Valley show cures winter blues

DOYLE DIETZ/SPECIAL PHOTO
Randy Emerich of Big Dady Custom Rods works on a rod in his Pottsville workshop in preparation for this weekend's Lehigh Valley Sportsman Show at the Allentown Fairgrounds.

Sportsmen are not alone in welcoming this week's Lehigh Valley Sportsman Show, which makes its debut Saturday and Sunday at the Allentown Fairgrounds.

For sportsmen, the Lehigh Valley always put a cap on the season of major outdoors shows until it was discontinued, leaving a void. That void was also felt by guides, outfitters and exhibitors who had built a faithful client base over the years.

In particular, local exhibitors such as Randy Emerich of Pottsville enjoy doing area shows because it gives him the opportunity to renew acquaintances with old friends and make new ones. Over the years, Emerich has developed a devoted following by anglers who use one of his Big Dady Rods, which he builds in the workshop of his home.

Emerich takes pride in building high-end, quality rods that he is able to retail for the price of many production rods. He is able to hold down costs by not having such things as a showroom, depending on such things as his Facebook page, word of mouth and area outdoors shows to spread the word.

"I enjoy doing a sportsman's show in my local area, as I get a chance to talk with some of my friends and fellow fishing buddies," Emerich said. "It's great to catch up about the past season, upcoming fishing events and just to see how everyone is doing.

"To travel an hour or so to a sportsman's show is not that uncommon, so I get to see a lot of familiar people at the shows. Some of my best customers came from word of mouth in talking with my friends and fellow anglers.

"To me, that's priceless advertising there, and another benefit in doing a show close to home is the communication between a prospective customer and being commissioned in building a custom rod. I carry no less than 80 rods to the shows, but guaranteed I have left the 'wrong one' at home for the customer to inspect or, in my case, 'wiggle,' so I invite that person to come back the next day, or stop in at my place and check out that special custom-build rod."

Emerich has even made arrangements at area outdoors shows to meet a customer on a stream and have them test a rod. He believes there is nothing like having an angler get the feel of a rod for themselves.

According to Lehigh Valley Sportsman Show promoter Dennis Brozey of P.B.M. Productions, the hands-on theme will be evident at this year's rebirth of what most referred to as the "Allentown" show. A 25-year veteran of promoting shows, it has been his goal for years to bring back the show that first began 27 years ago at Dorney Park.

Brozey said the recent sponsorships by Cabela's and 2 Million Bullets have help attract not just area exhibitors, but also hunting and fishing outfitters from throughout the United States, as well as those from Canada and Africa. Several of the outfitters were added after the cancellation of this year's Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show in Harrisburg.

"This event has a strong focus on youth and bringing back our heritage of hunting, fishing and outdoor life," Brozey said. "Some of the organizations that will be represented are Keystone Elk County Alliance, Delaware River Shad Rivermen's Association, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Lehigh County Fish and Game Protective Association, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Lehigh Valley Branch Quality Deer Management, Little Lehigh Chapter of Trout Unlimited and The Lehigh River Stocking Association.

"John Annoni, who is known for his work with youth as the founder of Camp Compass and 2 Million Bullets, is the goodwill ambassador for the event, and numerous door prizes donated by Cabela's will be awarded throughout both days. In addition, consultants will be available representing a variety of guides and outfitters to meet one-on-one with those looking to plan their next outdoors sporting adventure."

In addition to the guides and outfitters, there will be vendors for such big-ticket items as boats, motor homes, campers, log homes and ATVs. There is also an emphasis on outdoors education with seminars scheduled for both days of the show.

Clearly, the return of the "Allentown" show is a welcome addition for outdoorsmen.

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